“Dad, you don’t want me to become miserable all my life? I heard Mr. Li is a womanizer, Mr. Yao is very weak in health. Mr. Zhang smoked opium… I can’t lay my eyes on them. I promise that I will not lose my head when choosing the husband.”

Old Li had to give up. He thought his daughter was sensible.

Li Zhi was not only a very talented woman who could write and pose, she was also trained with some defense skills. This didn’t change her into boyish character, but made her very calm and open- minded. As the young lady in her title, she often went to balls and concerts and met other people. A lot of politics were discussed in the ball room and at the card table. She heard the news that the Chinese government lost the war with Japan. Other ladies couldn’t understand a small country like Japan could beat a big power like China. Li Zhi was sick when she heard them so self-conceited. Based on what she saw and observed, China was on the verge of being spilt apart by other powers. However, what was tragic was that Chinese people were still addicted to the dream of being the most supreme and privileged nation in the world. She also heard some tales that revolutionary people started to overthrow the government. She was very excited when she heard the news. She hoped that one day, she could be a part of them, to push China to write a new chapter of history.

Later, she heard that Russia was gaining influence in Harbin. On the street, there were many newly arrived Russian people.

Later, in Harbin, not only Russians, but also Jews and people from other countries arrived in Harbin and settled there. This brought new fashion to the old city. New churches were built; new schools were opened, new hotels were set up. Every day and night, Harbin was very busy.

The lights and balls were everywhere. Later, she heard that Russians were starting to build a new railway in Manchuria connecting Harbin with Siberia. She was excited for this news. Though China had lost the right of building the railway, it could still boost the economy of Harbin.

A very modern new hotel was set up by a Russian in Harbin in the year 1906. It was called a modern hotel.

It was the most splendid hotel in Harbin, which was the symbol of wealth. Not only businessmen, but also politicians, actors, Chinese, Russians, Jews, and people from other countries would visit the Harbin hotel. Li Zhi naturally became the visitor to the ball room in the hotel.